After speculation that he might be looking to leave for the Boston Bruins or Toronto Maple Leafs, Brendan Shanahan confirmed Thursday that he will return to the Detroit Red Wings for the 2005-06 season.

Shanahan exercised his player option for the coming season. He will earn $2.4 million.

"He can do a lot of things," said Red Wings general manager Ken Holland. "He's a veteran, he's a leader, and he can score goals."

Shanahan had until 5 PM Thursday to exercise his option. Had he chosen not to, he would have become an unrestricted free agent.